Another week of remote learning lies ahead for us all and we are delighted that so many of our children are engaging with glow and completing the tasks set by their teachers.  It is not easy keeping momentum going at home but we are astounded on a weekly basis by the commitment shown by our children to their studies.  The support of yourselves as parents has never been more crucial to provide encouragement and guidance to your children in these unprecedented times. There is no doubt your children are developing and displaying great skills as successful learners, responsible citizens, effective contributors and confident individuals.  We sincerely thank you for your support since the 23rd of March and kindly ask that you continue to work in partnership with ourselves and encourage your child(ren) to enage in their studies at home and to keep them on track in their learning.  As we have said many times before we don’t doubt the challenges that this involves at home as you juggle your own work, younger family members and not to forget the constant round of cleaning, shopping and meal preparation. Please review what tasks have been set by your child’s teacher and make a timetable that suits your family and do what is achievable.  We don’t want any family to feel pressured or overwhelmed.  Please take care, stay safe and connected.

God Bless

Mrs C.Docherty

Below is a link to the first issue of the Scotland Learns Parent and Carers Newsletter.  You will need to sign up directly to receive a copy to your mailbox.  You will find learning activities for Literacy and Numeracy, support for wellbeing and a focus on the theme of  food.  You will also find  hints and tips, advice for engaging young people with autism in their learning and a creativity challenge.

Parent and Carers Newsletterhttps://education.gov.scot/media/mahdmrxm/parentcarernewsissue1.pdf?dm_i=LQE,6UY0V,WKQY7A,RK3PU,1

One of our Pr.7 pupils has been very busy during lockdown and made a powerpoint that tells the story of VE Day and the story of his aunt’s dad who was captured by the Germans in 1940. A truly amazing story and fantastic work that we just had to share.

veday final

Monday is an in-service day for staff so please don’t expect your child to work from home as they would have had the day off school under normal circumstances.  I am sure that will be welcome news  for everyone.  As stated in previous posts we don’t under estimate the challenges taking place in family homes as you  try to attend to online learning, home schooling, working from home and attending to a busy household.  It really is multi-tasking on a grand scale.   Please  aim to work with your child and formulate a timetable for the week ahead that is both manageable and achievable. Children do love and need a routine even in these strange times.  Please be assured that we fully appreciate the challenges this has presented over the past weeks.  We all live in households with family members working from home alongside children looking for your constant attention and the need to be fed!!

Please be aware that teachers may have uploaded work for the week ahead or may wait until Tuesday to post.

Please encourage your child to leave a comment – even if only to say hi so we know they have been online.

Please remember we are missing everyone and are looking forward – as you must be – to the time when we can all return to school.

Please see below local sources of financial support if required at this time.

Please note below are is a link to a collection of  websites that provide information and support to young people an d families.

https:www.camhs-resources.co.uk/websites

Please see below for information in regard of the Educational Psychologist helpline.

Educational Psychology Helpline.

Below is a link for parents and young people who may be vulnerable during this time of school closures and social isolation and would benefit from signposting to the appropriate service. There are links to a wide variety of supports including the Financial Inclusion Team who provide financial supports and advice.  Please note you can e-mail me directly for support and advice.

ES Signposting to supports and advice – April version(4)

Our start to May is a very different one than usual as we continue to experience life in lockdown amid the trials and tribulations of home schooling whether a teacher, pupil or parent.  It has been a challenge for all but one that has provided unexpected gains in so many ways. Not least the amount of family time we are all experiencing.  Teachers remain committed to their duties and are daily and weekly uploading work onto glow and sharepoint to ensure children have a focus and are keeping on top of their learning.  It has been great to see so many children saying hi and uploading pictures to share their experiences.  We don’t doubt for a second how much they are missing their friends.  Please aim at the beginning of the week to review the set work, say hi on glow and jointly make a timetable that is both  flexible and achievable amid the demands of your busy household. We really do appreciate the challenges that learning at home is creating for so many of you. Please be assured that what you are doing will make a difference and will support your child’s learning.  Thank you for working with us to support your children’s learning at home.